FIFA and French player Lassana Diarra settle €65 million transfer dispute

FIFA Lassana Diarra transfer dispute EU competition ruling settlement

The world football governing body FIFA announced an out‑of‑court settlement with former French international Lassana Diarra, ending all legal proceedings linked to Diarra's claim for €65‑67 million in compensation. The claim stemmed from a UEFA Court of Justice ruling that certain FIFA transfer regulations violated EU competition and free‑movement rules, prompting Diarra to sue FIFA and the Belgian Football Association over a sanction imposed after his 2014 move from Lokomotive Moscow.

FIFA stated that it has not admitted liability and will not make any payment to Diarra. The settlement resolves the disputes in the European courts and with the Belgian FA, though the exact terms were not disclosed. Diarra's legal team previously indicated they were unaware of any agreement. The case had also ignited discussions of collective actions against FIFA by players' groups in several European countries.

The resolution closes a high‑profile legal battle that began after FIFA fined Diarra more than €10 million for alleged contract breach, and follows a 2024 EU Court decision that forced FIFA to revise its transfer rules.